services and, most importantly, to the families, survivors and loved ones of those we lost, michelle and i are humbled to join you again on this solemn anniversary. today we remember a day that began like so many others, arrive at school and commutes to work, early flights and familiar routines, quick hugs, and quiet moments. it was a day like this one. a clear, blue sky, but a sky that would soon be filled with clouds of smoke, and prayers of a nation shaken to its core. even now, all these years later, it is easy for those of us who lived through that day to close our eyes and to find ourselves back there. and back here. back when grief crashed over us like an awful wave, when americans everywhere held each other tight, seeking the reassurance that the world we knew wasn't crumbling under our feet. eleven times we have marked another september 11th come and gone. eleven times we have paused in remembrance and reflection, in unity, and in purpose. this is never an easy day. but it is especially difficult for all of you. the families of nearly 3,000 innocents who lost their lives. yo